Quarterback John Simmons slips by the Bellmore defense to the outside. The GCAA Thunder 8 Maroon boys gave an outstanding defensive performance in their season opener at Bellmore, shutting out the Bellmore Braves 7-0 and allowing only ONE first down the whole game!

Quarterback John Simmons at the helm took tight command of GC's Offense from the beginning. John continually took the snap quickly and flawlessly from Center Thomas Casciano and handed off beautifully and effectively to his running backs Timmy Schmelzinger, Luke McDaid, and Max Webster.

Thunder's offensive line provided key blocking, allowing the runners to make several huge 1st downs, with GC having possession of the ball for the majority of the game. Great Offensive job by Christian Coppola, Marc Prevete, Ryan Galioto, John Wotczak, Dan DeSimplicis, Max Webster, Philip Puccio.

On Thunder's first drive, several first down runs each by 4-back Luke McDaid and 2-back Timmy Schmelzinger ended with a touchdown by Timmy, who also ran in the extra point for an early 7-0 Thunder lead.

Timmy Schmelzinger strong arms to avert Bellmore tackle and keeps running. Bellmore came back with nothing as the tough GC Defensive proved impenetrable. Great job by Brendan Schick, Bobby McLoughlin, Stephen Moran, Brian Haeffner, Howie Miller, James Ostrowski, John Fanning, Scott Kiley, Kyle Thornton, and James Linehan. A sea of Thunder maroon "gang tackle" broke up a play in Bellmore's backfield for loss of yards, and then the Braves incurred two false start penalties for more loss. The GC Defense shut them down without allowing a first down.

Later, Bellmore had a great run for a huge first down and threatened. On the next play, when it looked like the Braves runner was going to get through down the line, GC cornerback John Simmons zoomed in and made a swift, crushing tackle for loss of yards! Three downs later, no additional first down made by Bellmore as the first half ended.

Thunder began the second half with a bang with huge back-to-back first down runs by Timmy Schmelzinger and Luke McDaid. 3-back Max Webster made some nice attempts, but Bellmore's defense stepped up and prevented further GC gain.

Newcomer Ryan Galioto holds up his helmet in victory after his very first football game! As Bellmore drove again, the GC defense held tough and prevented a Braves first down once again. GC slammed 'em down with bone-crushing, no-nonsense tackles, including an amazing hit by Timmy Schmelzinger. Defensive End John Wotzcak plowed through his blocker and promptly stopped a Bellmore play behind the line of scrimmage.

In GC's last drive, a 50-yard touchdown run by Schmelzinger was unfortunately called back due to a GC false start penalty.

John Wotzcak preserved his nickname "Sack Machine," as he sacked the Bellmore QB on the first - and only - play of Bellmore's last drive as the clock ran out, a fitting end to an awesome defensive game. Final score: GC 7, Bellmore 0 .

Come out and watch this Sunday, Sept. 17th as GC Thunder 8 Maroon takes on their "cross-town" rivals, GC Thunder 8 White, at Stewart Field at 11:00. GO THUNDER!!!

The players and coaches honor America before the game as the National Anthem is played. Robert Wotzcak (23), Brendan Schick (66), Howie Miller (42), Brian Haeffner (41) and Thomas Casciano (44) lead GC's awesome Defense. GC Center Thomas Casciano and QB John Simmons worked flawlessly in tandem to lead the GC Offense. 3-Back Max Webster holds back Bellmore Defense as Timmy Schmelzinger shields ball carrier Luke McDaid.